Medicines can help prevent repeated
episodes of
pulmonary embolism by preventing new blood clots from
forming or preventing existing clots from getting larger.

Anticoagulants

Anticoagulants are prescribed when pulmonary embolism
is diagnosed or strongly suspected.

You'll likely take an anticoagulant for at least 3 months after
pulmonary embolism to reduce the risk of having another blood clot.2 Treatment
with anticoagulants may continue throughout your life if the risk of having
another pulmonary embolism remains high.

Different types of anticoagulants are used to treat pulmonary embolism. In the hospital, you might be given an anticoagulant as a shot or through an IV. After you go home, you might give yourself shots for a few days. For the long term, you'll likely take a pill.

Thrombolytics

Clot-dissolving (thrombolytic) medicines are not
commonly used to treat pulmonary embolism. Although they can quickly dissolve a
blood clot, thrombolytics also greatly increase the risk of serious bleeding.
They are sometimes used to treat a life-threatening pulmonary
embolism.

In this article

This information is produced and provided by the National
Cancer
Institute (NCI). The information in this topic may have changed since it was written. For the most current information, contact the National
Cancer
Institute via the Internet web site at http://
cancer
.gov or call 1-800-4-CANCER.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated:
March 12, 2014

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this
information.